The Top Flight
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Hull City vs. Chelsea: Combined XI ahead of Premier League clash

By Craig Pearson

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Robert Snodgrass of Hull City celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Hull City at Turf Moor on September 10, 2016 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Robert Snodgrass of Hull City celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Hull City at Turf Moor on September 10, 2016 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Nemanja Matic of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Nemanja Matic of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Central Midfield

If you thought the Chelsea defense was slim pickings, just wait until you run through the midfield options. Antonio Conte can’t put together a good midfield out of the players he’s got, what chance have we got?

At least we can dig into Hull’s pool of midfielders. Which sounds ridiculous in itself, but that’s how bad Chelsea have been lately. The midfield is so unbalanced that it’s hard to believe that a tactician like Conte hasn’t tried something radical by now.

Nemanja Matic is playing as an attacking midfielder. It’s an awkward fit and one that wont be in this combined XI. N’Golo Kante has come in for sharp criticism too, after his big-money move from Leicester City.

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We don’t need either in this team because we’ve got Sam Clucas. Yep, the 26-year-old is in his second season with the Tigers and his energetic, workman-like performances have caught the eye in this campaign.

Not as much as some of the Chelsea midfielders, but for the right reasons in Clucas’ case. Finding a midfield partner for Clucas isn’t easy, though. Tom Huddlestone hasn’t particularly impressed. Ryan Mason has only started one game since his move from Tottenham Hotspur.

Cesc Fabregas has only sat on Chelsea’s bench for much of the season. So Oscar is going to have to get the nod alongside Clucas. The Brazilian’s passing ability will make a good foil for Clucas’ hard work and endeavor.

Although, Oscar in a two-man midfield looks a bit scary defensively. Which means Jake Livermore, who was earlier selected as a centre-back, looks like he might have to return to a more natural midfield position in this team.

The midfield needs another body in there if Oscar is playing central, so Livermore it is. Needs must. Thanks, Chelsea. You’re determined to make this difficult, aren’t you?

Anyway, we’re employing a 4-3-3 now instead, with Livermore, Clucas and Oscar in the center of the park.

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